Please allow me to introduce myself

[clydepepper]

Originally Posted by smellthegum

Hi all! I've been lurking on the boards off and on since I joined last year. I can't believe the incredible amount of knowledge here; what a great resource! I hope I can eventually add to it in some small way.

Anyway, I've been collecting seriously since about 1982 ... meaning that's when I started buying vintage. Since then I've built and sold several times for one thing or another (car, wedding, house). The last time I sold was about 1993. Sold everything except the 1952T and 1971T sets I was building. I went mostly dormant for a while, disenchanted with the advent of TPGs and the overproduction of new stuff. I'd only go to a couple of small local shows a year. I kind of picked up the pace again about 2005 and started to build a 1970T set too, and began picking up a few cards from eBay. Always thought buying online was dicey but I've since found a few sources whose grading I agree with and who have good scans. That's helped to fuel my more recent activity. (I still only do a few small shows a year so we won't likely meet up in person unless you're in southeastern MA or RI)

I wouldn't say I'm involved as wholeheartedly as I was in the 1980s and 90s because there are other responsibilities and interests that wrestle for my free time and money (I also collect brewery advertising and am a competitive bass fisherman), but I do greatly enjoy collecting old stuff in great shape. I'm all about the aesthetics and the history.

As far as what I collect I mentioned three sets already and am happy to say I finally completed the 1971 set this year and am 4 cards away from the 1970 set. It's taken a long time because I prefer raw cards (yah, I'm old school). I finally caved and picked up some graded stuff to speed up the set building. With 1971 and (soon) '70 out of the way I'm starting 1965 and 1967. I keep pecking away at the 52T but the Mays is beginning to look like a showstopper. Climbing like crazy lately, no? I hope to eventually complete a run of 1967-1976. I also pick up singles here and there, including tobacco and pre-war, up to 1957. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to do some deals here on the board too. Looking forward to meeting you all!

Dave- while it seems inaccurate to say 'welcome aboard', I will do so anyway as is 'our' custom.

Last year, I sold my '57-80 Topps sets. My condition requirement was EX or better and I built them card-by-card as you have done...which was very expensive. The other choice is to buy the complete sets but, as I'm sure you know, that takes all the enjoyment out of building your collection. So, as much as it cost, I could not have done it any other way.

Since 'moving' those sets, I have already started picking up a card here or a card there and I do not put another total re-build out of the question.

You said the 52T Mays was a showstopper for you...so you already have the Mick?

The 1965 & 1967 sets are two of my favorites - of the single cards that I mentioned I was picking up here and there...many of them are from those two sets.

Just as you kept a few sets when selling the others, I managed to keep my '54-'56 sets.

I have a few dups from the two sets you are building...I will go find them and PM you to see if they are needed.

-Raymond